Michael Carrick has been appointed the new permanent head coach of Manchester United. The former midfielder has been rewarded with the job on a two-year contract after a successful interim spell, leading the side to third in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification with three games to spare.

Carrick said in a statement: “From the moment that I arrived here 20 years ago, I felt the magic of Manchester United. Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride.

“Throughout the past five months this group of players have shown they can reach the standards of resilience, togetherness and determination that we demand here. Now it’s time to move forward together, with ambition and a clear sense of purpose. Manchester United and our incredible supporters deserve to be challenging for the biggest honours again.”

Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January with United seventh in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions. The mood was close to rock bottom at Old Trafford and the task of reversing that appeared substantial. But Carrick got off to an excellent start, leading United to a 2-0 home victory over Manchester City, and has guided the club back to the Champions League after a two-year hiatus, winning 11 and drawing three of his 16 games.

The recruitment process was led by United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who recommended Carrick’s permanent appointment to the CEO, Omar Berrada. The decision was signed off by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family, who still own a majority stake in the club.

Wilcox said: “Michael has thoroughly earned the opportunity to continue leading our men’s team. In the time he has been doing the role, we have seen positive results on the pitch, but more than that, an approach which aligns with the club’s values, traditions and history. “

Michael’s achievements in leading the club back to the Champions League should not be understated. He has forged a strong bond with the players and can be proud of the winning culture at Carrington and in the dressing room, which we are continuing to build.”

Carrick, who enjoyed a storied 12-year playing career at United having joined from Tottenham in 2006, quickly established himself as a popular figure within the dressing room.

Kobbie Mainoo, who Carrick restored to the team after the midfielder was ostracised by Amorim, spoke about wanting “to die for him on the pitch”. Matheus Cunha was among other United players who backed Carrick.

This will be Carrick’s first permanent managerial role since being sacked by Middlesbrough in June 2025 and, with United back in Europe, he will have to oversee a far busier schedule than in his interim spell.

The 44-year-old will also need to bolster a squad that continues to look short of what is required to compete for major honours, especially given the summer departure of the influential Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.